Panthers playing draft strategy close to vest

By Richard Walker

Published: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 03:54 PM.

CHARLOTTE – New Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman was emphatic last week that his organization would draft the proverbial “best available player” when it makes its first-round pick Thursday night – the No. 14 selection overall – at around 9:30 p.m.

On the other hand, Gettleman also thinks the defensive line, defensive back and offensive line position groups – or where many think the Panthers most need help – are the deepest in the 2013 class.

So that means the Panthers will choose a defensive lineman, defensive back or offensive lineman with the 14thpick, right?

Maybe yes and maybe no.

With standout receiver Steve Smith preparing for his 13thseason, it’d be safe to say finding Smith’s eventual replacement wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Does this mean wide receivers like West Virginia’s Tavon Austin or Tennessee’s Cordarrelle Patterson, a native of nearby Rock Hill, are on the Panthers’ draft radar?

CHARLOTTE – New Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman was emphatic last week that his organization would draft the proverbial “best available player” when it makes its first-round pick Thursday night – the No. 14 selection overall – at around 9:30 p.m.

On the other hand, Gettleman also thinks the defensive line, defensive back and offensive line position groups – or where many think the Panthers most need help – are the deepest in the 2013 class.

So that means the Panthers will choose a defensive lineman, defensive back or offensive lineman with the 14thpick, right?

Maybe yes and maybe no.

With standout receiver Steve Smith preparing for his 13thseason, it’d be safe to say finding Smith’s eventual replacement wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Does this mean wide receivers like West Virginia’s Tavon Austin or Tennessee’s Cordarrelle Patterson, a native of nearby Rock Hill, are on the Panthers’ draft radar?

That notion seems to be gaining momentum as more and more mock drafts give Carolina at least the opportunity to choose either or both of the receivers considered the most talented at their position in this draft.

Of course, with veteran Jordan Gross all but confirming his Panthers’ career will end after this season when he restructured his contract, it makes just as much sense to choose a long-term player at left offensive tackle.

After all, if Cam Newton is the future of the franchise – and all indications are that he is – isn’t protecting him imperative to whatever success this franchise may enjoy?

With that in mind, Alabama’s D.J. Fluker, Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson and Florida State’s Menelik Watson are all considered players that could be available when Carolina picks at No. 14.

However, most mock drafts see Gettleman choosing an immediate starter and one of the many talented defensive linemen in this draft would appear to meet that description.

And Gettleman was emphatic that he wanted the team’s first two picks to become 2013 starters or at least get lots of playing time as rookies.

Whatever happens Thursday, Friday and Saturday in this draft, Gettleman is determined to make the current roster, this offseason’s free agent acquisitions and the players he drafts this weekend form the nucleus of a postseason team.

Because if that doesn’t happen, we’ll likely be talking a year from now about a new Carolina head coach entering his first Panthers’ draft.